Speculation linking Liam Miller with a move to Old Trafford intensified this afternoon after it was reported the Celtic midfielder is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with United.
Miller, whose contract at Parkhead expires in the summer, has consistently been tipped with a move to United this season having impressed Alex Ferguson after breaking into the Celtic first team.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is facing a bright future with the Republic of Ireland senior team, has been in talks with Celtic boss Martin O'Neill about his future. However, negotiations between O'Neill and Miller's agents Finton Drury and Eamonn McLaughlin have been inconclusive.
An official announcement is expected as early as this evening but when contacted by ireland.comUnited weren't prepared to comment on the possible transfer.
Celtic, meanwhile, went as far as to say: "We have had no confirmation from Manchester United of any pre-contractual agreement.
"We made an extremely generous offer to Liam Miller, the biggest salary deal ever put on the table for a young Celtic player who has come up through the ranks.
"This offer was made following detailed consideration of Liam's contribution to the team to date during his 16 first-team starting appearances as well as eventual potential.
"It is a salary package which would make him one of the very best-paid young players in Scottish football history."
Miller would follow in the footsteps of Brian McClair, Lou Macari and Paddy Crerand in moving from Parkhead to United.
The Cork-born youngster is seen by many as a long-term replacement for fellow Rebel Roy Keane due to his energetic running and goals from midfield this season.
He shot to prominence in pre-season and his displays in the SPL and the Champions League - where he was outstanding against both Anderlecht and Lyon, scoring in both ties - have attracted the interest of top Premiership clubs.
Miller has scored five times this season but was left on the bench for Saturday's Old Firm victory over Rangers. O'Neill has been cautious with Miller due to his injury record in previous seasons.
But his rise to prominence continued when he was named in the Republic squad for the home friendly with Canada on November 18th, a match that he was forced to withdraw from due to injury.
Miller first attracted the attention of Celtic when playing for his local Cork side Ballincollig Boys Club and moved in Scotland in 1997.
A regular in Brian Kerr's underage squads, Celtic rated him highly and sent him on loan to Danish side Aarhus in 2001 for experience.
By then he was a regular in the Under-21 side which he eventually went on to captain.
1997: Miller attracts the attention of Celtic when playing for his local side in Ballincollig and moves to Scotland.
2001: A regular in Brian Kerr's under-age Republic of Ireland squads, Celtic send him on loan to Danish side Aarhus to gain experience. Becomes a regular in the Under 21 side and becomes captain.
2002: Makes first-team debut against FK Suduva in the UEFA Cup after coming on for Jackie McNamara.
2003: In August starts against Kaunus in a Champions League qualifier and goes on to make 16 appearances.
September 30th: Comes off the bench to score as Celtic beat Lyon 2-0 at Parkhead.
November 5th: Celebrates a starting place against Anderlecht with a fabulous goal in 3-1 victory.
2004: January 8th- Miller, with five goals so far this season, appears set to sign a pre-contractual agreement with Manchester United.
1981
: Born February 13th in Cork